CEFN Fforest fighter Nathan Cleverly is set to make his return in early July, but his next opponent is a contentious issue.

The undefeated world WBO light heavyweight champion is keen to get a shot at one of the other world champions in a unification match.

However, talks had been advancing with Bernard Hopkins but the former foe of Joe Calzaghe lost his world title at the weekend against Chad Dawson.

Cleverly has also indicated a willingness to have a rematch with Tony Bellew (who was victorious at the weekend) but mutual promoter Frank Warren believes that fight is complicated by the fact the Scouser isn’t keen on fighting on Warren’s TV network BoxNation.

“There are lots of options out there for Nathan,” Warren told BoxNation.

“We are talking other names or the WBO may order a mandatory defence, I don’t know yet.

“I had a lengthy discussion with Nathan about Bellew but Tony says he doesn’t want to fight on BoxNation.

“I don’t understand that. Bellew is still under contract and I delivered him a world title fight in his home town and I promised if it was a close fight there could be a rematch.

“It’s one of those fights that can and should be made but it would have to be on our channel.”

Warren didn’t rule out the possibility of a fight with Hopkins.

“Hopkins isn’t gone completely, styles make fights and maybe Dawson would be a good match for Nathan.”

Cleverly admits he’s not surprised Hopkins lost.

“Hopkins is still a great name, but I’m not sure whether than fight is still alive now,” he said.

“Dawson is now the new WBC world champion… he’s probably instated himself now as the number one in the light-heavyweight division, he’s the man to beat.

“I think a fight with Dawson will happen in the future but for the meantime we’ll probably be looking at the WBA champion (Las Vegas-based) Beibut Shumenov.

“I think the fight can be made and we’ll take it from there... or maybe it’s a case of a taking a mandatory defence first up, I will wait and see.”